Thursday, November 06, 2014

Calling All Black Lieutenants and Agents in the Field

As many of you know I'm writing "The Black Man's Guide Out of Poverty" and it is coming along "swimmingly."

That being said I'm at the part of the book where I cannot speak from authority about economics, finance, politics, etc., and need the advice, recommendations, and input from black men.

Specifically, I am interested in what it is like growing up in the black community and what the blow back is like if you dare to espouse conservative thoughts, libertarian values, question whether socialism is working, etc. etc. Is there social ostracization, are you accused of "being white" or an "Uncle Tom." What is done to keep you in line and in check?

I've heard merely anecdotes and stories, but nothing approaching multiple, in depth testimonials that would provide me some information to competently work from.

If you'd be so kind, please feel free to post your thoughts in the comments section or if you wish to remain private, e-mail the ole captain at
CAPTcapitalism (not CAPTAINcapitalism)
****at*****
yahoo

I'm not black, but I can't more highly recommend the book "Off the Books" by Venkatesh. It's a detailed description of how the economy runs in a poor neighborhood in Chicago. After reading it, I'm much more adept at explaining free market principles to folks with an urban background.

The author is a lefty, but not egregiously so. He doesn't make value judgements, just describes how things actually work.

His intention wasn't to elucidate how big government keeps black people down, but he does it anyway. I know the focus of your book is less political and more personal finance, but this gives as good an explanation as any as to why people make some of the stupid choices they make.

Having read this book is why I can elucidate my political and economic views with people who want to rip out the throats of other conservatives/libertarians and actually get through to them. Your goals are different, but I suspect this book would help you, too.

I'm not black, but I can't more highly recommend the book "Off the Books" by Venkatesh. It's a detailed description of how the economy runs in a poor neighborhood in Chicago. After reading it, I'm much more adept at explaining free market principles to folks with an urban background.

The author is a lefty, but not egregiously so. He doesn't make value judgements, just describes how things actually work.

His intention wasn't to elucidate how big government keeps black people down, but he does it anyway. I know the focus of your book is less political and more personal finance, but this gives as good an explanation as any as to why people make some of the stupid choices they make.

Having read this book is why I can elucidate my political and economic views with people who want to rip out the throats of other conservatives/libertarians and actually get through to them. Your goals are different, but I suspect this book would help you, too.

Capn, you had me until the third paragraph. From there, the post went from an honest request for others' input into basically a request to have others validate a talking point you've already settled on pushing.